Spokane CARES Team Expands to Better Address Behavioral Health and Substance Use

The Spokane Fire Department has announced a significant expansion of its Community Assistance Response Team (CARES) with the addition of a new social worker, marking the completion of a staffing initiative funded by opioid lawsuit settlement dollars. This expansion is crucial as it addresses the growing demand for services aimed at improving behavioral health and substance use support within the community. Launched in 2008, the CARES initiative focuses on reducing unnecessary emergency medical service (EMS) use by addressing the social determinants of health. The team, typically comprised of social work students from Eastern Washington University, conducts home visits and connects clients to essential community resources. Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized the importance of this expansion in combating the opioid crisis and supporting vulnerable populations in Spokane.

With the new staffing, the CARES Team will enhance its capacity to respond to overdoses and provide same-day outreach, particularly to unhoused individuals. Sarah Foley, the CARES Team Manager, expressed her dedication to making a positive impact in the community through this initiative. The expansion underscores the city’s commitment to investing in effective models that yield positive results for those in need.